Tirana, February 15, 2018 – The President of the Republic of Kosovo, Hashim Thaçi, was honored today with the title “Doctor Honoris Causa” from the European University of Tirana.
The title was handed over by the Rector of the European University of Tirana, Dr. Tonin Gjuraj, at a special ceremony, organized near the marking of the tenth anniversary of Kosovo’s independence.
The Rector of this University, Dr. Tonin Gjuraj justifying the granting of the award to President Thaçi, emphasized his special contribution as Kosovo’s leader in the process of the liberation, independence and state-building in Kosovo
“For the great courage, prudence, and the great example of patriotism that Mr. Thaçi has showed in moments when these were more necessary than ever and tougher than ever for Kosovo. For the great contribution to freedom and peace and the unstoppable efforts to build a free and democratic country, a place where human dignity is sacred and where minorities, whether being them Serbian, Bosnian or Turkish, are protected with all the force of law and are treated as equals”, it is said in the motivation of the University.
There it is also stated that President Thaçi has made a valuable contribution to the ten-year state building process.
“For the clarity and courage to face the difficulties of state-building, for the high spirit of respect for political opponents and democracy, for overcoming the barriers between Albanians, and for the process of dialogue and the integration of Kosovo in the democratic world”, it is stated in this motivation.
On this occasion, President Thaçi delivered a speech in which he initially thanked the heads of the European University of Tirana.
President Thaçi said that he feels extremely honored with this recognition made by this university.
“Today I feel privileged that, on the eve of the 10th anniversary of the Independence of Kosovo, to be honored with the title Doctor Honoris Causa”, said President Thaçi.
He added that this honorary title comes from a University which is increasingly making a good name with academic and scientific achievements, raising the standards of studies of the Albanian world at European and world level.
“The European University of Tirana in the Albanian academic world has become a model for applying modern methods of research and achievement of scientific results, especially in social sciences”, assessed President Thaçi.
According to him, these days Kosovo celebrates the tenth anniversary of the declaration of independence, where before the advent of this major act, which crowned the centuries-old dream of the people of Kosovo, at the same time there stands a rich, tragic and heroic history.
“It is a great fortune that for the Albanian people, since the Great Year, since the era of George Castriot – the political and cultural orientation had been clear, towards the West, towards the Occident. This orientation led that at the end of the 20th century the Kosovo Liberation Army to receive support from the Western world, the United States of America, the EU states and the most powerful military alliance of the world – NATO”, said President Thaçi, adding that having this goal, the Albanians today have marked historic achievements.
According to him, Kosovo is an independent and sovereign state, while Albania is a member of the North Atlantic Alliance, of NATO.
He added that even the Albanians in Macedonia are advancing their rights more and more, while the ones in Montenegro are a constructive factor in strengthening a neighboring state, never forgetting the Albanians in Presevo.
President Thaçi thanked all Albanians, who in very difficult circumstances, have opened the doors to welcome their brothers from Kosovo.
“You received us in your homes from the unfree Kosovo and escorted them to the free Kosovo, as a result of our joint project. We will be eternally grateful for each one of you”, he added.
According to him, the Albanian state has played a historic role in the freedom and independence of Kosovo. Speaking of the ten-year state building in Kosovo, Thaçi said that Kosovo’s independence has been accepted by 115 states, while in 2010 the International Court of Justice in The Hague confirmed our right to be a state.
“In 2012, we completed the period of the supervised independence. In 2013 we signed the first agreement on the normalization of relations between Kosovo and Serbia. In 2015, we signed the Stabilization and Association Agreement (SAA) with the European Union”, he listed the successes of these ten years.
According to him, democracy in Kosovo has been deeply rooted and we are now able to organize free elections by ourselves, both central and local government, which are an example for the region.
“We have established stable institutions at all levels. The intelligence service, the police and customs from the best in the region. The Kosovo Security Force, an excellent institution that will soon take on the tasks and mission of a modern army”, he added.
President Thaçi has emphasized that Kosovo has consistently marked an economic development which is the highest in this part of Europe.
“Kosovo participates in all sports competitions in the world. Athletes proudly wave the flag of Kosovo on all four corners of the globe. Majlinda Kelmendi won the first Olympic gold medal two years ago at the Olympics in Rio. Kosovo has given Europe and the world famous singers, has made precious art movies all over the world”, he said.
In the end, President Thaçi has emphasized that the list of achievements and successes in the state of Kosovo and of the state of Kosovo is very long.
“This makes us all proud”, he said, in front of many professors, personalities of political and public life in Tirana.
The motivation:
For the great courage, prudence, and the great example of patriotism that Mr. Thaçi has showed in moments when these were more necessary than ever and tougher than ever for Kosovo.
For the great contribution to freedom and peace and the unstoppable efforts to build a free and democratic country, a place where human dignity is sacred and where minorities, whether being them Serbian, Bosnian or Turkish, are protected with all the force of law and are treated as equals.
For extraordinary efforts to secure Kosovo’s independence, but especially for his contribution as Prime Minister and President of Kosovo, as a powerful promoter of overcoming the barriers between Prishtina and Tirana, promoting an unimaginable exchange intensity of some years ago.
Facilitating academic and scientific exchanges, the mutual recognition of diplomas, to open the way for a common market in education between Albania and Kosovo.
For the clarity and courage to face the difficulties of state-building, for the high spirit of respect for political opponents and democracy, for overcoming the barriers between Albanians, and for the process of dialogue and the integration of Kosovo in the democratic world.